Each year there is an international campaign on the prevention of cervical cancer and the need for both screening and HPV preventative treatment.
Cervical cancer happens when cells in the cervix grow in an uncontrolled way and build
up to form a lump (also called a tumour). As the tumour grows, cells can eventually
spread to other parts of the body and become life-threatening.
The cervix is the lowest part of the uterus (or womb), and it is found at the top of your vagina.
The World Health Organisation's International Agency for Research on Cancer says that the main cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), an extremely common family of viruses that are transmitted through sexual contact.
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer.
However, in 2020, an estimated 604,000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer worldwide and about 342 000 women died from the disease.
In the UK, around 3,200 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, and approximately 700 women die from the disease – around two deaths every day.
The NHS encourages all those whose gender was female at birth, to have regular Cervical Cancer Screening, which is provided by the NHS as part of its national screening programme aimed at preventing deaths from Cervical Cancer.
In their public health information leaflet, entitled NHS Cervical Screening
Helping You Decide, explains that nearly all cervical cancers are caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV).
'HPV is very common. Most people will get the virus at some point in their life. It is spread
through close skin to skin contact during any type of sexual activity with a man or woman.
HPV can stay in the body for many years. It can stay at very low or undetectable levels
and not cause any problems.
This means an HPV infection may have come from a partner a long time ago.
There are many different types of HPV, but only some high-risk types can lead to cancer.
The types of HPV that cause cervical cancer do not cause any symptoms. In most cases, your immune system can get rid of the virus without you ever knowing you had it. But sometimes, HPV can cause cells in your cervix to become abnormal.
Your body can usually get rid of the abnormal cells and your cervix returns to normal. But
sometimes this doesn’t happen, and the abnormal cells can go on to develope into cancer.'
The document makes it clear that:
'Having cervical screening lowers your chances of getting cervical cancer. Screening finds
abnormal cells so they can be removed before they become cancer.
HPV is found on the skin around the whole genital area and can be spread through any
type of sexual activity. This means that condoms or dental dams can help prevent
infection, but they don’t provide total protection from HPV.'
In doing so, the NHS recommends having the preventative treatment of a vaccine to counteract the risk of developing Cervical Cancer from HPV:
'The HPV vaccination protects against the types of high-risk HPV that cause most cervical
cancers. If you have had the HPV vaccination you will still need to consider having
cervical screening when you are invited. This is to check for other high-risk HPV types
that can lead to cervical cancer.
Having a family history of cervical cancer does not affect your chances of developing
cervical cancer.'
The leaflet is available from the NHS and direct from the Unionsafety E-Library.
In support of this year's Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, Dave Joyce, CWU National Health, Safety, and Environment Officer has written to all the Union's branches via LTB025/24 providing details of the campaign to help make Cervical Cancer screening something every woman is aware of the need to be involved with.
Dave writes:
Cervical screening can stop cancer before it starts by checking the health of the cervix and prevent any potentially harmful cells from developing.
The NHS Cervical Screening Programme has made a significant impact on cervical cancer mortality since it was established in 1988 and screenings save an estimated 5,000 lives per year, which is why it’s vital we all support and encourage women to attend.
However, the concern is that one in three women don’t attend their smear test appointments.
The Screening Programme:
For England and Northern Ireland – women get a cervical screening invitation every 3 years if aged 25 to 49. After that, an invitation is received every 5 years until age 64. For Wales and Scotland women get a cervical screening invitation every 5 years if aged 25 to 64. Cervical screening samples are tested for types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer.
Testing for HPV first, rather than looking at the cells down a microscope (cytology), is proven to be a more sensitive test. It will help to find more women with cervical cell abnormalities that may need treatment. HPV testing will help to prevent more cases of cervical cancer.
From 1 January 2022, screening changed for low risk women from 3 to 5 years because the test used in cervical screening changed with the new test which is known as HPV primary screening and is more accurate at detecting who is at higher risk of developing cervical cancer. This means the intervals for those not at high risk can be safely extended from 3 to 5 years.
About the campaign:
It’s not unusual for women to feel a bit uneasy about going to their cervical screening, however the thought is normally worse than the reality. The campaign seeks to put minds at ease and reassure women that screenings are nothing to be worried about and can stop them developing cervical cancer. The campaign focuses on the important relationships in women’s lives, reminding them of all the people that want them to be healthy and well.
Campaign call to action:
- Cervical screening saves lives – encourage the people that you know and love to get screened if they are overdue a test.
- Don’t ignore cervical screening invitations.
- If you or someone you know has missed their last screening, book an appointment with the GP practice now.
Campaign Resources:
Downloadable, printable campaign resources and information are attached including posters, booklets, leaflets etc., and further resources and campaign materials are available from:jostrust.org.uk/shop/information
Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust
The Trust was established in 1999 by James Maxwell after his wife Jo passed away from cervical cancer. Jo’s Trust have thanked CWU for its support and the Union intends to continue that working relationship.
Contact Details for Further Information, Resources and Helpline:
Address: Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust 10-18 Union St, London SE1 1SZ
Phone: 020 3832 8000
Helpline: 0808 802 8000
Email: info@jostrust.org.uk
Website: https://www.jostrust.org.uk
Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust’s freephone Helpline is staffed by volunteers who’ve had personal or professional experience of cervical cancer or cervical abnormalities and are trained in telephone helpline skills.
The Helpline offers listening, support and information.
Further resources - documentation and posters - can be found in the Unionsafety E-Library using search category 'Cervical Cancer'.
Source: World Health Organisation / CWU / Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust / NHS
